Muick Sandy shares ‘GTA 6’ gaming tips to prevent gaming aches
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on 19 November. A survey of 1,480 gamers conducted between 29 and 31 July 2026 found that 24 percent plan to spend more than 40 hours playing during the first week. Twenty-nine percent of respondents reported taking time off work or education for the launch. Millions of gamers are expected to devote the equivalent of a full week to the title in its opening days.
Research from mobility specialists Muick Sandy shows Google searches for pain from gaming rose 372 percent in the last 12 months. The increase accompanies warnings about the effects of sitting in one position for prolonged periods. Players are reminded of the physical strain that can result from remaining seated without interruption during extended sessions.
Ben Kenny, Director and Mobility Chair Specialist at Muick Sandy, addressed the anticipated long play sessions. He observed that with a release as anticipated as GTA VI, it is understandable that some people will want to spend hours playing, particularly during the first weekend.
Kenny recommends building regular movement breaks into marathon sessions from the start. This practice helps avoid pains and aches. Suggestions include getting up between missions, walking around the room, grabbing water, or spending a few minutes away from the screen before returning to play.
The specialist also advises against remaining fixed in one posture while playing. Gamers should shift position periodically and notice if stiffness or discomfort begins. Any pains or discomfort should not be ignored simply to finish another mission.
The first tip focuses on using natural breaks as reminders to move. Loading screens, mission changes, food breaks, or trips to refill a drink offer opportunities to leave the chair and move around. Building movement into these natural pauses can be easier than relying on memory once immersed in the game.
The second tip urges players not to wait until they feel uncomfortable. If stiffness or discomfort has already developed, the individual may have remained in the same position longer than advisable. A conscious effort to change position regularly is advised rather than waiting for the body to provide a reminder.
The third tip centers on evaluating the gaming chair and posture. The chair does not need to be expensive, yet it should permit comfortable sitting with adequate support. Players are encouraged to avoid perching on the edge of the seat or repeatedly leaning forward toward the screen for long periods.
Additional guidance covers screen positioning and daily movement outside gaming. An awkwardly placed screen can prompt neck craning, forward leaning, or body twisting. The screen should be set so it can be viewed comfortably from a normal sitting position. For longer sessions, gaming should not be the only activity that day; walking, leaving the house, or moving between sessions helps interrupt extended sitting.
